This September, Sadler’s Wells Theatre will set the stage for the UK premiere of Vlaemsch (chez moi), a mesmerising new work by acclaimed choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
Running from Thursday 18 September to Saturday 20 September, this emotionally rich piece weaves together themes of heritage, identity, and artistic exploration through Cherkaoui’s trademark fusion of movement, music, and visual storytelling.
Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated premiere, Cherkaoui’s illustrious career, and the deep cultural layers woven into Vlaemsch (chez moi).
A Personal Ode to Flemish Roots
At its heart, Vlaemsch (chez moi) is a love letter to Cherkaoui’s Flemish heritage. Born to a Flemish mother and Moroccan father in Antwerp, Cherkaoui grew up navigating the complex interplay of cultures, languages, and identities. The piece’s name intentionally reflects this duality—“Vlaemsch,” an archaic spelling of the word for “Flemish,” nods to the traditions and folklore of Flanders, while the French subtitle “chez moi” translates as “at mine,” capturing the personal lens through which the choreographer views this heritage.
Cherkaoui describes the work as a space where contrasting influences—Dutch/Flemish, French, and even Arabic—coexist. Through dance, he invites audiences to explore the vibrant and sometimes paradoxical cultural tapestry of Flemish identity.
Flanders in Movement
Drawing inspiration from 15th-century Flemish art and folklore, Vlaemsch (chez moi) is a visual and auditory feast. Cherkaoui collaborated with contemporary Flemish artists to create a production brimming with authenticity and depth.
- Hans Op de Beeck, known for his monumental installations, lends a signature grey aesthetic, evoking the pale hues of Flanders’ landscapes and historic architecture.
- The music of Floris De Rycker and ensemble Ratas del Viejo Mundo adds layers of richness, blending 1600s polyphonic sounds with Arabic influences, harmonising the history of Flanders with its connections to global cultures.
- Costumes by Jan-Jan Van Essche—a proponent of slow, sustainable fashion—feature multicultural inspirations, carved out in clean and timeless silhouettes.
This multidimensional team ensures that Vlaemsch (chez moi) resonates not just as a celebration of Flanders but as a global artistic dialogue.
A Multinational Ensemble
While the artistic collaborators hail from Flanders, the performers represent a global collective. Dancers from Japan, America, Russia, Ukraine, Congo, Canada, and more bring diverse styles and stories to the stage, reflecting Cherkaoui’s hallmark approach of blending influences from East and West, North and South.
This intercultural spirit anchors Vlaemsch (chez moi) in London’s cosmopolitan energy, creating connections that transcend boundaries and celebrate the universality of the human experience.
Cherkaoui’s Journey
An artist of unparalleled versatility, Cherkaoui has carved a reputation as one of the most innovative choreographers of his time. Across his career, he has created over 50 choreographic works, collaborating with top dance companies and artists worldwide.
Highlights include his iconic collaboration Sutra (2008)—a groundbreaking piece with the Shaolin Monks exploring martial arts and spirituality—which has toured globally to over 250,000 audience members and will continue its US tour this autumn. Cherkaoui’s repertoire also spans film, music, and theatre, including work with luminaries like Beyoncé and collaborations like an Accident / a Life, the latter created with Marc Brew and debuting at Sadler’s Wells East later this September.
He has earned top accolades, including two Olivier Awards, three Ballet Tanz awards for Choreographer of the Year, and the Kairos Prize for his vision and commitment to intercultural dialogue. His artistic direction has graced institutions such as the Royal Ballet Flanders and the Ballet of the Grand Théâtre de Genève. Since 2008, Cherkaoui has called Sadler’s Wells a creative home as an Associate Artist.
Deeper Layers in an Accident / a Life
While Vlaemsch (chez moi) will unfold the narrative of Flemish heritage, Cherkaoui’s collaboration with Disabled artist Marc Brew brings profound storytelling to the Sadler’s Wells East stage a week later. An Accident / a Life, premiering from 25 to 27 September, examines the key moments that shape our lives, blending dance, humour, film, and music.
From Brew’s life-changing accident to broader narratives of resilience and transformation, the work unpacks the layered experiences that create and redefine our identities. Much like Vlaemsch (chez moi), it’s a reflection of change, connection, and the universal quest for belonging.
A Special Bond with London
For Cherkaoui, returning to Sadler’s Wells feels like coming home. Since Sutra’s debut in 2008, London audiences have welcomed his works with open hearts and minds. “Returning to Sadler’s Wells, after so many years, with two dance theatre works I’ve recently created feels like a gentle homecoming,” Cherkaoui shares.
His relationship with the capital city—where cultural exchange thrives—is deeply intertwined with his artistry. From Flemish identity to Shaolin philosophy, Cherkaoui has made Sadler’s Wells a hub for his “borderless choreographic world of music, theatre, and dance”.
Plan Your Visit
Dance enthusiasts and cultural explorers won’t want to miss this moment. Vlaemsch (chez moi) offers a rare opportunity to explore Flemish history through a modern, global lens, while an Accident / a Life tackles life’s complexities with artistry and soul.
Both productions showcase Cherkaoui’s ability to connect deeply personal narratives with universal themes, making them essential viewing for anyone curious about humanity, art, and the threads that tie us together.
- Vlaemsch (chez moi): 18–20 September 2025 at Sadler’s Wells Theatre
- An Accident / a Life: 25–27 September 2025 at Sadler’s Wells East
Secure your tickets now and experience the remarkable artistry of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, where every movement tells a story, and every story has the power to stay with you long after the final bow.